The Federal Government has said state governors will not have unfettered operational control over state police services under Nigeria’s proposed new policing system.
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, said the proposed framework must clearly define the limits of political authority over policing and ensure that those exercising police powers are also held accountable.
Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Gbajabiamila said governors could set broad security priorities and seek legislative approval for policing resources. However, they should not have personal powers to order the arrest of political opponents, halt investigations, disperse lawful gatherings or direct police operations during elections.
He said the proposed dual policing structure, comprising Federal and State Police Services, was intended to address the weaknesses of Nigeria’s highly centralised policing system. The reform, he added, would involve more than creating police services in the 36 states, requiring a broader redesign of how police powers are organised, controlled and held accountable.
Gbajabiamila also called for safeguards for officers who refuse unlawful orders and independent mechanisms for investigating serious misconduct by senior police officers. He warned that appointments and removals must not become tools for rewarding political loyalty.
The Chief of Staff to the President further said the system must prevent officers dismissed for brutality, extortion or criminal conduct in one police service from moving quietly into another jurisdiction.
He explained that the constitutional amendment required to establish state police was still ongoing. Both chambers of the National Assembly have approved proposed changes, but the process must still be harmonised and approved by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before proceeding for presidential assent.
Gbajabiamila said the Presidential Working Group was preparing the National Policing Bill alongside the constitutional process. If the amendment succeeds, the bill will provide a common framework for professional standards, state readiness, inspections, complaints, information sharing, firearms control, funding and transition.
